Overview & Reviews

Until recently, driving a hybrid car required some sort of sacrifice, whether in terms of space, performance or anonymity. However, in the case of the Camry Hybrid, one could argue that Toyota has given the buying public a hybrid that demands few or no sacrifices.

If judged only on its merits as a competent midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid would score well. We've found that it shares all the attributes that make the conventional Camry one of the best-selling family sedans out there: a comfortable and quiet ride, more than adequate power, lots of amenities and plenty of room for five. That its fuel economy beats that of most compact cars and its price is well within the normal range for an average midsize car are just icing on the hybrid cake.

Current Toyota Camry Hybrid
The current Toyota Camry Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output comes to 200 horsepower and it's routed to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA estimates combined fuel economy at an excellent 40 or 41 mpg, depending on the trim level.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in LE, XLE and (late introduction) SE Limited Edition trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the LE include keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port. The XLE adds a power driver seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE Limited Edition is essentially an XLE with sporty styling cues and the sport front seats of the non-hybrid Camry SE. Main options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, a navigation system and a smartphone integration system.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry Hybrid saw a few minor changes. These include the aforementioned new trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

Inside, the Camry's new interior benefits from roomy seats, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

While fuel economy gets top billing here, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is still pleasant to drive. Its hybrid powertrain is quite smooth in its operation and provides quick acceleration. Handling is unremarkable and the steering is quite light and uncommunicative, but for most buyers this will likely be a non-issue.

Used Toyota Camry Hybrid Models
This latest Toyota Camry Hybrid was redesigned for 2012, as was the conventional Camry. As such, it benefited from the same generational upgrades, such as a much nicer interior and new electronics features. Fuel economy and power are also considerably better than they were with the previous-generation hybrid. Note that these Camry Hybrids lack a few minor updates of the current version, including the addition of the SE Limited Edition trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

That previous, first-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. While it shared much of the same advantages of the current car, it suffered from a rather small trunk, disappointing interior materials and inconsistent fit and finish issues. Additionally, its fuel economy, while high, was not as good as the current model's.

This Camry Hybrid was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine working in concert with an electric motor. Power was sent to the front wheels through a specialized CVT. The gas engine produced 147 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and the electric motor added another 40 hp, yielding 187 maximum hp. Fuel economy was quite good for the time, checking in at an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined.

For most of the first generation's production run, standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system. Main options were a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a navigation system and a premium sound system.

Changes were slight over the years, with revised front-end styling, a new instrument cluster and unique upholstery made of silk protein and synthetic fiber being introduced for 2010. In 2011, the alloy wheels were downgraded to steel wheels with plastic covers.

On the whole, the Camry Hybrid presented a complete package. It was roomy, comfortable and kept up to date with the latest features. And thanks to the Prius, Toyota has shown that its hybrid powertrains are able to meet consumers' expectations of durability and reliability. Our only suggestion would be to also check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which eclipsed the Camry Hybrid in terms of economy and interior design for the final two years.

User Reviews:

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  Toyota is slipping. - 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lovetodrive123 - June 26 - 9:42 pm

  This is my fourth Toyota Camry and my second XLE hybrid. My 2011 hybrid vibrated when it was at rest. The 2014 is much improved in this respect. The 2014 also has quicker acceleration and better handling. In other respects, Toyota has really made the car less desirable. Most notably, the drivers seat doesnt have enough padding. It is rock hard and uncomfortable right in the middle. Cant imagine why they would save a little money and make such a big mistake in comfort. Also, I can no longer fit my umbrella in the side pockets on the doors. Everything falls out of the glove compartment on the passenger side. Glove compartment in the center no longer has the basket that held my pen.

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  Not To happy - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lanenn - April 21 - 9:30 am

  I did heavy research before I traded my 2004 Chevy Maxx. Read every report, drove some other cars,and this Camry Hybrid seemed to be the very best I could buy. Safe, good trade value, good mileage..maybe at 71 years old my last car. Now after almost 8 mos. I have been very sorry I purchased this car. Gas mileage not so great, better in summer then winter. Interior very plan,fun to drive, answer: no.Now with all the bad coming about Toyota, even if this Camry Hybrid is not on any recall..YET the value is sure to fall off. I should have stayed with Ford or Chevy. There all some other things about this Camry that are becoming more of a disappointment to me and my wife. The AC/heat control are poor.

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  A hybrid may not be for you - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Barry - August 2 - 6:20 pm

  Does everything well but nothing outstanding. WARNING: does not enter electric mode on short trips (< 1.5 miles) or over 40 mph even when the battery is charged and the engine is warmed up. Typical toyota quality and reliability which is better than most other cars. The SE with the V6 and 6 speed would be a lot more fun to drive, but would not get as high gas mileage.

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  NEVER LEASE OR BUY TOYOTA over rated reputation - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brenton - May 4 - 6:09 am

  2013 Camry LE Hybrid never obtained gas mileage. 5 Recalls in 1st year and rust found. Dealership stated when you turn car in its our problem dont buy this car. Maintenance package a JOKE . First mandated Service was Start and SHUT off car THREE times to remove CODE. Dealership at 23 months would not change oil or service car make an appointment when YOU PAY. Deafening road noise, dangerous BLIND SPOT needed to add mirror to side mirror. Interior Quality of car completely PLASTIC and seats equivalent to park benches. Have to Hand Pump Front Drivers seat. Non existent compatibility for todays electronics. Do not drive in the SNOW very low body clearance, gas mileage drops like a rock. Listed sales price $32000 absolute gouging could never RESELL this car at any price over $10,000. Toyota as a BRAND has NO customer service, stated GET A LAWYER. Dealership went out of business had so many Better Business Complaints of not honoring car maintenance package as advertised ON TV. Toyota Headquarters representative stated: "We do not deal with dealership issues, maintenance issues, or customer complaints. TOYOTA has NO Reputation and stated we are honorable come back after acceleration deaths DO NOT BUY TOYOTA

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  My first Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TCH_Driver - February 10 - 1:00 pm

  I have had this car for 3 months. This car is reliable. The navigation is great. It has a spacious interior. I routinely get 38+ MPG with this car. Trunk space is limited compared to a regular Camry due to all the batteries, but I dont mind. The engine is underpowered compared to a regular Camry, but this is normal for a hybrid car. If you understand the limitations of this hybrid, you will be happy with it. I love the low fuel consumption and the infrequent trips to the gas station.

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  Terrible car, do not get! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ruthey - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a little over a year. I got this car as my first car. I am currently 18, i got this car when i was 17. I was so excited to get a car and my dad told me i had to get this one. It worked ok for the first few months but slowly gone down hill. when the recalls came out, and they replaced the recalled items. that is when the problems had started beside from the air conditioner and heater. it smells like smoke when i turn it on, so i do not use it. it is loud and it takes off from me. i hate this car and i will never buy another Toyota and Toyota doesnt do anything and refuse to. I tried to get it as a lemon but since theyll take it not do anything, it cant go through as 1

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  Boring and Overpriced - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By oildrip - October 8 - 11:35 am

  Where do you start with this strange car. The trunk is taken up with the battery so Im not sure why they bothered with the tiny opening from one rear seat that is capable of folding down, I guess a broom handle can fit through there. Very little trunk space, a few suitcases and its full. The cloth seats are cheap and not very supportive, the leather are much better. The interior screams cheap, the navigation has a very poor resolution display. The winning noise as you slow down drives you crazy in city driving. I find the start and stoping of the engine also very anoying and very noticable in this car.

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  Camry hybird is worst car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By aamir - July 1 - 2:26 pm

  Camry hybrid is worst car Ive ever seen. I bought this car for almost $33,000 and after I drive this car almost 151,000 mile, the hybrid system cooked. And I change hybrid system for almost $13,000. That means the car cost me $46,000 and still not satisfied from this car because last week fuel system broke down on the highway and I get into an accident. Changed the fuel system for $1,000 again, and at 70,000 miles, the abs break system was shut down. It was changed for $1500. This car is worst car do not buy please.

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  Not so great - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Markel - May 15 - 5:10 am

  Very uncomfortable seats. Check engine lights comes on if gas cap is not put back on correctly! Window tinting could be better.

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  disappointing - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gramparoy - March 25 - 11:26 am

  Heres what I found out regarding small battery.....no warranty, has special battery..cost much more as it has no liquid( safety issue) You can toss out the milage amount.....somewhere between 26-28 mfg. I will never buy another hybrid as we put on only 380 miles per nonth. Am trying to lease either a fiesta or hyundai.